Transformed – Orlando News Room Article

IDignity clients often feel transformed once they receive their identification documents. They aren’t just receiving a piece of paper or plastic but the ability to prove they are a member of society, to prove they exist. Orlando News Room Blog by Paula Wyatt explains just that. Check out this wonderful article HERE on IDignity and share it! 

Read the full article below.

IDignity: Transforming Lives Through Identification Services

Since its inception in May 2008, IDignity has been a crucial lifeline for vulnerable populations in Central Florida, providing essential identification services that enable individuals to lead self-sufficient lives. Founded by members of five downtown Orlando churches, IDignity assists U.S. citizens and legal residents in navigating the complex and often costly process of obtaining personal identification.

The Vital Services of IDignity

Obtaining proper identification is something many of us take for granted, but for those without it, the challenges can be insurmountable. Without a valid ID, people cannot apply for jobs, enroll in school, access social services, open bank accounts, or secure housing. IDignity addresses this critical need by helping clients obtain birth certificates, Florida IDs or license renewals, and Social Security cards or verification information.

IDignity hosts bi-weekly service days in downtown Orlando, where they serve upwards of 100 clients per day. These individuals are welcomed with respect and compassion, receiving assistance from dedicated volunteers and staff. The documents obtained through IDignity provide clients with the freedom to move forward in their lives, opening doors to opportunities that were previously out of reach.

The Impact on Daily Lives

The impact of IDignity’s work is profound. With proper identification, individuals can:

• Apply for employment or school: Access to jobs and education are fundamental to breaking the cycle of poverty.
• Gain access to shelters: IDs are often required to stay in shelters, ensuring a safe place to sleep.
• Seek help from social service programs: Many programs require identification to provide assistance.
• Open a bank account or cash a check: Financial independence is crucial for stability.
• Secure housing: IDs are necessary for rental agreements and housing applications.
• Overcome many other obstacles to self-sufficiency: Proper identification removes numerous barriers to independence and self-reliance.

While the State of Florida waives the cost of an ID for the homeless or those living below the poverty level, individuals still face the expense of obtaining required proofs such as birth and marriage certificates, school records, court orders, and other government-issued documents, which can range from $7 to $225. IDignity steps in to cover these costs, as well as the cost of attorneys when needed for court proceedings.  IDignity manages to serve clients for an average of $400 per client, and relies on six hours of volunteer time to provide comprehensive services.

How IDignity is Funded and How You Can Support

IDignity is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that does not charge clients for its services. It operates through governmental partnerships, the dedication of hundreds of volunteers, and the generosity of donors. You can support IDignity in several ways:

• Volunteer: IDignity’s Identification Service Days rely on volunteers. Whether you’re 16 or older, there are various ways to get involved and make a direct impact.
• Advocate: Spread the word and support IDignity’s mission through grassroots advocacy, just as the founding members did. Facebook – INSTAGRAM — LinkedIn
• Donate: Financial contributions are always welcome and directly fund the costs associated with obtaining identification documents for those in need.

Souper Douper: A Signature Fundraising Event

One exciting way to support IDignity is by attending their signature fundraising event, Souper Douper. This culinary competition features local talent competing for the title of Best Soup. The event will be held at the Sheraton Orlando North on October 3rd from 6 to 8 pm. Attendees can enjoy delicious soups, community spirit, and the satisfaction of supporting a worthy cause. To find out more information on how you can attend, contact Shannon.lindborg@idignity.org. To find out more information about sponsorship contact annetaylor@idignity.org.

The New Home Foundation for Hope Campaign

IDignity is also embarking on a significant new chapter with its Foundation for Hope campaign, aimed at establishing a permanent operational headquarters. After 15 years of moving between various locations, the nonprofit is seeking donors to participate in the final round of a $12 million capital campaign to secure its first-ever home. This new headquarters will solidify IDignity’s presence in the community and enhance its ability to serve clients effectively.

“This is a big step for this organization,” said Executive Director Michael Dippy in an article in the Orlando Sentinel. “We’re not looking for a new home, we’re not looking for a bigger home. We’re looking for our first home and to be a part of the fabric of the community.”

Donate to Foundation for Hope Campaign

Since 2008, IDignity has helped more than 31,000 clients in Orange County obtain legal proof of their identity, which in turn helps them gain access to healthcare, education, housing, and employment. With a permanent home, IDignity can continue and expand its vital work, empowering more individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and a brighter future.

At Orlando News Room, we are inspired by the incredible efforts of IDignity and the significant impact they have on our community. Join us in supporting this remarkable organization and be a part of the positive change in Central Florida.

Empowerment – IDignity and Spectrum News 13 Article

Empowerment – that’s just one of the many things that stem from IDignity’s services. Spectrum News 13 interviewed past IDignity client, Karelyn, to hear how her life changed after receiving her ID. Click HERE to watch the interview and see our Executive Director, Michael Dippy, share where IDignity’s new operational headquarters will be located!

Living without an ID: Overcoming barriers and how a nonprofit is expanding to address the need

By Maria Serrano Orlando

UPDATED 2:14 PM ET Jul. 01, 2024PUBLISHED 10:08 AM ET Jun. 27, 2024

ORLANDO, Fla. — You cannot open a bank account, fly on an airplane, get prescription medications, obtain housing or get proper healthcare without an ID.

What You Need To Know

• According to Analysis from the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland, nearly 21 million adult U.S. citizens do not have a current, non-expired driver’s license
• • IDignity is working to expand their efforts with plans to build their first brick-and-mortar facility in Orlando
• A woman says her life took a 180-degree turn after overcoming the barriers of obtaining an ID

According to Analysis from the Center for Democracy and Civic Engagement at the University of Maryland, nearly 21 million adult U.S. citizens do not have a current, non-expired driver’s license.

That’s just under 9% of the U.S. citizen adult population.

It’s an issue the nonprofit IDignity is working to address in Central Florida. Officials there are working to expand their efforts with plans to build their first brick-and-mortar facility in Orlando.

A woman says her life took a 180-degree turn after overcoming the barriers of obtaining an ID.

Karelyn Rodriguez is a medical receptionist for AdventHealth Pediatrics. She says interacting with kids is a rewarding job.

“That’s why when they said pediatrics: I was like: ‘yay!’” she said.

But life wasn’t like that until recently as she recounts an eviction at her home in Oviedo after losing one of her jobs.

“When the sheriffs’ came to remove my documents from my apartment, I felt empty, I felt like a failure to my children, so I left the scene and when I went back I discovered that I no longer had my documents,” she said.

Many people can end up in similar situations as Rodriguez.

IDignity helps people overcome this barrier and access identification.

“And that really just empowers people to better their own life, and to get that job, and to get that housing and to get the proper health care that they need,” said Founding Executive Director Michael Dippy for IDignity.

After three years of experiencing homelessness, Rodriguez says she sought counseling for an addiction to drugs and alcohol. She obtained her ID, birth certificate and social security card through IDignity.

“I got my documents in two weeks. The next day, I applied for this job and I got hired, the next day,” she said.

Right now, the nonprofit is working towards having a stable place of operation.

IDignity currently assists people in a parking lot during drop-in hours. There are two building spaces they rent from a local church.

Spectrum News 13 toured the land that IDignity purchased with Dippy.

“I come here right now every couple of weeks to make sure everything is moving along,” he said.

Dippy says the new space will increase their capacity to serve clients like Rodriguez by an estimated 30%.

“This is where the main building is going to be, the operational headquarters,” he said.

It’ll have a unique vantage point from Interstate 4 East and West, as well as from Division Street.

“Also, just the marketing piece of so many people going: ‘What the heck is IDignity,’ and looking that up and going: ‘Oh my God, my sister needs that, or my neighbor needs that assistance, now I know where to send them,’” said Dippy.

The overall costs for this new building are $12 million.

IDignity has raised $9.6 million so far for it, including donations of $2.25 million from Orange County and $1 million from AdventHealth.

The agency still has $2.4 million to raise, but it plans to finish construction by the end of 2025.

As far as Rodriguez, she will soon become a first-time homeowner through Habitat for Humanity.